Press release from the Yurok Tribe:

The Yurok Tribe recently received a $5 million grant from the Clean California Local Grant Project (CCLGP) for five projects that will dramatically elevate the quality of life on the Yurok Reservation.

The state funds will be used to construct new recreation and transportation infrastructure from Requa to Wautec.

“This is a huge win for the Yurok Tribe. I would like to thank CCLGP for investing in the future of the Yurok people. I would also like to thank our Transportation and Planning Department for pursuing the competitive funds,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “These projects will positively impact the lives of all reservation residents, and especially our children, for many years to come.”

At the Requa Resort, the Tribe will be building a day-use area with picnic tables, custom-made benches and a beautiful walking path from the campground to the edge of the Klamath River. The path and resort as a whole will be landscaped with plants and trees. The existing bathrooms will be completely renovated with new fixtures, paint and partitions. There are plans to add external, park-style refuse receptacles with bear locks too. Additionally, a fence will be installed in between the resort and boat dock to ensure a quiet atmosphere at the ideally located resort.

In the Old Klamath Townsite, the Tribe is going to replace the playground at the baseball field with a brand-new children’s play area surrounded by a safety barrier. The baseball diamond will be recontoured and drainage pipes will be buried underground to better manage water runoff. The project also calls for the installation of the following: new dugouts, bleachers, picnic tables, benches and a chain-link perimeter around the ball field.

Near the Morek Won Village, a new Park and Ride facility will be built for Yurok Transit bus riders and local residents. The facility will include a fenced playground with picnic tables, benches and a shade canopy. The Park and Ride will also offer the following amenities: parking spaces, a new bus shelter, water bottle filling station and recycling bins.

Next to the Wautec Fire House, the Tribe will build a new playground in the footprint of the former play area. A new restroom facility will be constructed for Yurok Transit riders and those enjoying the playground. The CCLGP funds will be invested in the full restoration of the basketball court. Murals will be painted on the court as well. A shade area with picnic tables and benches will be built on the same property. To tie it all together, a fence adorned with traditional art will be placed around the playground and basketball court.

Last but not least, the Tribe aims to install picnic tables, benches and concrete-based fencing at the Sregon Orchard. Sregon residents will be able to relax after working in the orchard and/or simply visit the site to enjoy the view of the Klamath River.

The Yurok Tribe’s Transportation Department partnered with the Yurok Planning and Community Development Department to secure the competitive grant. Together, these projects will provide numerous opportunities for local families to spend quality time outdoors.